Fish n Ski or Two Boats?

[hillbilly321]

Hey guys, I just moved close to a lake (Deer Creek in Ohio) so I'm in the market for a new boat. Initially I was thinking about buying a 14' john boat to fish out of, but my wife caught me looking and said it would be nice to have a bigger boat for the family to use on the weekends, so I have the "go ahead" to buy a boat.

I have a family of four and will definitely want to tube/ski/swim/lounge, however as stated I love to fish so that got me thinking of a dual purpose boat. From reading many other threads, allot of folks recommend a boat in the 20-22' range for "family fun" with a decent size i/o, but I think that might be a tad too big for trolling the shoes and going back into coves, etc. Not to mention getting fish slime / bait all over the place, I'm sure the girls will love that.

My question is, do the 17' fish and ski model's work well for this or would I be better served to buy two boats? This will be new for me, so I'm budgeting 5k for a "decent" used boat. John boats are cheap so price really is not much of a consideration there.

 

[robbjunk]

Re: Fish n Ski or Two Boats?

i would go with one boat due to storage, upkeep, and more for your money. I have a 2001 198dc sailfish and love it. It both fishes and skis well.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Fish n Ski or Two Boats?

Welcome to iboats!

Fish & Ski boats come in a number of configurations, from what are essentially bass boats to what are essentially bowriders. Take your time and do some "tire kicking". A boat show would be a good place to start.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Fish n Ski or Two Boats?

Hey guys, I just moved close to a lake (Deer Creek in Ohio) so I'm in the market for a new boat. Initially I was thinking about buying a 14' john boat to fish out of, but my wife caught me looking and said it would be nice to have a bigger boat for the family to use on the weekends, so I have the "go ahead" to buy a boat.

I have a family of four and will definitely want to tube/ski/swim/lounge, however as stated I love to fish so that got me thinking of a dual purpose boat. From reading many other threads, allot of folks recommend a boat in the 20-22' range for "family fun" with a decent size i/o, but I think that might be a tad too big for trolling the shoes and going back into coves, etc. Not to mention getting fish slime / bait all over the place, I'm sure the girls will love that.

My question is, do the 17' fish and ski model's work well for this or would I be better served to buy two boats? This will be new for me, so I'm budgeting 5k for a "decent" used boat. John boats are cheap so price really is not much of a consideration there.

You might want to look for a "dual console" boat, which are generally outboards that can play both roles - fish & ski. As a family boat, you will want a 'head' on board, which you should be able to find in a 22footer.

The I/O boats typically have too much creature comforts for fishing and are not as conducive to hosing down at the end of a fishing day.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Fish n Ski or Two Boats?

two boats are better than one!

I think that a boat big enough to haul everyone around is too big for skiing and lake fishing. Sure it can be done; yuou can pull a skiier behind a 45' boat, but try teaching someone to ski behind a big boat and it will cure you real fast. Plus the people who like to "lounge" as you put it are annoyed by the ones who want action, whether it's tubing or fishnig, and vice versa. But the best thing about having smaller boats is you can turn your children loose in them at an earlier age. A 14 eyar old cna handle a 16' open boat just fine but not a 22' finished-out boat.

You will have many days when you just have a couple people, and will appreciate the ease and efficiency of running the smaller boat.

When one's broken down you have the other.

I'm big on low maintenance boats, becuase I don't want to spend my recreational time and money on cleaning, covering, covers, and restrictions on use. If you must have a boat that's not made to handle outdoor use, don't get two of them. Get one that's low maintenance for your sport boat, at least. Better for recreation, better for the children. And I bet once you have one of each you use the fragile one less.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Fish n Ski or Two Boats?

I guess it depends on what type/how much you fish. The 18-20' fish-n-skis work just fine for tubing, skiing, and fishing. Is it as good as a dedicated fishing rig? Of course not, but if you only have one or two rods and a tackle box, there's no need for the type of storage a true fishing boat will provide. Heck, our family had a 17' 1979 Newman tri-hull bass boat (deep gunnels compared to modern bass boats) that I learned to ski/tube behind as well as our fishing platform. The 90HP Johnson was always up to the task of towing us around. However, if you want to get a cheap ($4-5K) bass rig and then buy a runabout, too, by all means have at it.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Fish n Ski or Two Boats?

If you've got the room to store 'em ... I highly recommend two boats. Get the family boat, and then if you can track down a cheap (I mean inexpensive) aluminum row boat that'll take a 9HP or so ... you'll love it.

 

[Lowe170]

Re: Fish n Ski or Two Boats?

The most critical and important thing is that you have a "Go Ahead" order from She Who Must Be Obeyed! Congrats! The rest will take care of itself...

 

[hillbilly321]

Re: Fish n Ski or Two Boats?

Hey guys, great points and giving me allot to think about. To answer some of the questions / comments:

I literally live a mile from the lake, and I have been fishing 3-4x per week from the shore now, so I would envision fishing in the early mornings with the family rolling in around mid morning for some lounging. Maybe some family fishing in the evenings.

From a family perspective, I have all girls so they will want to stretch out in the sun, swim, tube etc. I'm sure you guys get what I need on this...it needs to be "comfy".

From a fishing perspective, I need the versatility to troll the flats as well as get back into somewhat tight places to cast.

Storage is not an issue, I live on a farm so have barn space a plenty.

Presumably, if I went with a f&s model, It would tend to be in a bowrider config to please the family. Honestly, if I did get this config and was unhappy I would just buy a dedicated fishing rig later.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Fish n Ski or Two Boats?

get the girls into fishing, the sooner the better. Unless you're scared they'll outfish you....

 

[Deeppowder]

Re: Fish n Ski or Two Boats?

I have a 14ft and find it very small when fishing with the family. My F&S is great to bring the whole family out fishing
after a day of skiing.

 

[81 beachcomber]

Re: Fish n Ski or Two Boats?

the more boats the better!

 

[southkogs]

Re: Fish n Ski or Two Boats?

Another option to consider ... get a nice pontoon for fishin' and lounging around. They can run nice and shallow ... a bunch of people can fish off 'em or swim off 'em, etc., etc.,

The only thing you're missing then is being able to tube/ski/ ... buy a bigger jet ski and tow it out when you need it.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Fish n Ski or Two Boats?

I'd say get the fish and ski - and a john boat, but then I might be biased!!

You definitely won't regret two boats if you can get past storage, maintenance, and registration fees. I use both my boats in very different fashions and would add a third if I could swing it.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Fish n Ski or Two Boats?

I think an aluminum fish & ski would serve you well. Something like this http://www.sylvanmarine.com/Showroo...Fishing&Series=Expedition Sport&Model=1800 DC or this http://www.loweboats.com/fish-and-ski/fs185/ (just examples, I'm not specifically endorsing particular brands/models). I've outfitted my old Starcraft similarly and it works well for my family.

 

[BonairII]

Re: Fish n Ski or Two Boats?

You definitely won't regret two boats if you can get past storage, maintenance, and registration fees.

2 boats are gonna a be a lot of work. If the family is going to pitch in with maintenance duties, that's one thing. But if the OP is going to be stuck doing everything...one boat is probably the way to go.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Fish n Ski or Two Boats?

2 boats are gonna a be a lot of work. If the family is going to pitch in with maintenance duties, that's one thing. But if the OP is going to be stuck doing everything...one boat is probably the way to go.

Depends on what you consider to be a duty with regards to maintenance. If he goes out and buys a jon boat or cheap bass rig w/2 cycle engine, there isn't likely to be a lot of maintenance to it. Hose it down every once in a while, keep a battery tender on it, and get the engine tuned up every couple of years. That should about cover it. The runabout will be the more maintenance-intensive boat, as it would more likely be an I/O. Would also require a bit more cleaning as most females don't want to ride in a dirty boat.

 

[BonairII]

Re: Fish n Ski or Two Boats?

most females don't want to ride in a dirty boat.

Then they can do the all of the cleaning.

Since the man is going to have to do all engine work/maintenance, launching and loading, etc...the cleaning should be up to the rest of the family.

I thought the OP was considering 2 full sized rigs. I can see getting 2 boats if he's going for a small fishing rig.

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Fish n Ski or Two Boats?

I vote 2 - Boats. I am kinda in the same boat as you are. Already have a 21ft bowrider ski boat for the family times, tubing, sking, wakeboarden and do a little fishing now and then. But now i went and bought a Jet ski this winter for kids, ( 21 and 15 ) to get them outa my hair. Now im am looking for a small alum fishing boat for me. Just as you said to get back into the nooks and cranny's. Ezmobee posted up some nice looking rigs.

Just my 2 Cent's

 

[Fisherball]

Re: Fish n Ski or Two Boats?

The problem with any dual purpose item is that generally they don't seve either purpose as well as something made to fit just 1 activity. The F/S will not be as good at fishing or towing/lounging as well as a boat for each thing. I fish Alum Creek, which is very similar to Deer Creek, & where I catch the fish you couldn't get to on a 22' boat. I frequently lift up motor & drift or pole into very shallow water.

In Ohio a boat pilot has to be 16 to be on their own. They actually require a boat license like a driver's license to pilot a boat (or jet ski) in that state if you were born after 1982 (I think).